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Lead-based paint was once incredibly common and in older homes that haven’t been renovated in a while, it’s still possible and even likely in some cases to find significant amounts of leaded paint left behind. With the potential consequences of exposure to lead dust and lead in lead-based paint, it’s crucial for homeowners to know what they may be dealing with if they need to remodel or renovate areas that could hold lead contamination. This is why working with a leading lead paint inspector in Los Angeles can be vital to the health of the home’s residents.
Working with a leading provider of lead paint testing in Los Angeles means you will be partnering with some of the most experienced Los Angeles environmental testing companies. They will conduct thorough testing to ensure that no potential contamination is missed, and they can also recommend an abatement or removal plan for the homeowner, to ensure they can keep their home as safe as possible during the process. Here’s more information about lead paint removal in Los Angeles.
Often equipped with the latest technologies, our lead paint inspectors might begin with the use of a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine to detect any lead presence. If necessary, our skilled lead inspectors may also send paint, dust and soil samples to the lab for extensive analysis. Remember, not all lead-based paint is considered dangerous. Our expert lead inspectors can identify if there are currently any lead hazards in or around your home or property and may help you to develop an action plan to address those hazards.
Older homes built before 1978 should need to be tested for lead. Before 1978, the government did not regulate the use of lead in paint. While many homes may have paint that contains lead, it is when the paint starts to chip and these particles are inhaled in the form of lead dust, that is of concern. If you are planning to remodel or young children will be residing in the home, it is important to consider testing for lead. According to the EPA, children exposed to lead-based paint can absorb these toxins more rapidly and are at risk for slow growth, hearing problems, hyperactivity, headaches or possible brain and nervous system problems.
When we buy or build homes, we expect them to last. In fact, the life expectancy of a normal home can frequently cross the hundred-year threshold. Homes are often so soundly constructed that some studies estimate approximately half of currently occupied U.S. homes were built before 1980. Though longevity usually serves us well, this likely means that a sizable portion of homes contain lead-based paint. Walls in good condition rarely are immediate hazards, but flaking or deteriorating walls do create risk. And, if you plan on embarking on a home renovation project, scraping and sanding can produce harmful lead dust.
It’s important to be aware that any level of lead exposure by children is serious. If you suspect your child might have experienced lead exposure, you should immediately seek medical attention and have your child’s blood levels tested.
Remember, adults and children alike can get lead into their systems by breathing in lead dust. This is especially common during renovation or repair projects that might disturb dried lead-based paint. Make sure to always hire a lead-safe certified renovation contractor for projects in homes containing lead paint.
Lead-based paint in older homes is most unsafe if it peels, chips or cracks. This can happen frequently in high-use areas where paint is applied near windows, doors stairs or rails. As time passes, paint erodes. This creates harmful, lead-contaminated dust. Young children might touch lead dust-covered objects or place them in their mouths, resulting in significant health damage.
Homeowners and others that need lead abatement often wonder what is involved in lead paint removal in Los Angeles. Depending on the specifics of your building, there may be multiple options for dealing with potential lead paint contamination. The first step is that once you have decided that you want to have the lead paint dealt with and that we’ll be your abatement partner, we’ll provide the EPA with appropriate notice of the work being done, including the expected start and end date of the abatement plan, as well as other pertinent information. The next steps will depend on what method is being used to deal with the lead, enclosure, replacement, paint removal, or encapsulation.
The enclosure method is often seen as one of the easiest ways to sequester lead paint that has been used to cover large areas like walls. Provided the area is still structurally sound, it can be covered with a large wall covering that will completely enclose and isolate the lead paint. One of the biggest drawbacks is that enclosures can only be used on large and relatively flat areas like walls.
The replacement method of lead paint abatement involves completely removing the molding (and testing for mold), window, or even the entire door that has been covered or painted in lead paint. This method is one of the easiest and quickest ways to completely get rid of lead-painted components, but it also loses most of that advantage if the surrounding area has had lead paint used on it. It’s also not ideal for those on limited budgets, since the requirement of physically replacing the windows or door makes it a more costly option than some alternatives.
Paint removal is one of the most extensive and labor-intensive options, but it’s also an option that allows the homeowner to completely retain their original components while also completely removing the potential for lead contamination in the future. Not only is lead paint removal incredibly labor-intensive, but it must be done by a qualified contractor that is certified to work with and dispose of lead paint. These two factors combine to make lead paint removal one of the more costly options.
Lead paint encapsulation is another method of lead paint abatement and is one of the cheaper methods as well. Encapsulation is the process of covering and sealing lead paint with a specialized coating that has been designed to provide lasting protection against lead dust. While this is one of the cheaper options, it’s also one of the more limited in scope. Encapsulation is easy to do, but due to the requirements of the coating itself, there are some surfaces that it cannot be used on.
If you need lead paint testing in Los Angeles, working with a firm that has the experience and history of handling some of the area’s most expensive lead paint contamination gives your project many benefits. Not the least of those benefits is the peace of mind of knowing that your home has been professionally and expertly treated for lead and that nobody in the home faces any elevated risk of lead exposure any longer. Additionally, if you will be selling your home you won’t need to worry about the potential reduction in value that can come with a diagnosis of lead paint that hasn’t been professionally abated. Whether you need testing to confirm if your home has lead paint, or if you need to schedule a full abatement project, we are here to help. Reach out today, discuss your needs with us, and we’ll tell you how we can help you meet those needs.
